#150 - Backpacking 1300 Miles of the PCT with 3 Kids with David Daley

The By Land Podcast

Text the show!

This is the second part of a two-part mini-series with Marketa and David Daley who in 2022 hiked 1300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail with their 3 young kids. David and I dive into the more holistic side of hiking the trail and explore the meaning behind the struggle and process of a thru-hike. For anyone who enjoys the non-technical side of a thru-hiking discussion, you’ll enjoy this, especially if you’re a parent yourself.

David and I dive into what it was like to hike as Father on the PCT, how hard it was to learn to hike as slow as a child, and the spiritual connection we feel toward wild spaces. A thru-hike is a difficult thing to process and it was great to have the chance to explore the experience with David so soon after the end of his hike.
Show Notes

• Digesting the trail
• The importance of immersing yourself in the wilderness
• Thoughts on possible long-term effects of thru-hiking with kids (hopes versus reality)
• Experiencing the PCT as a Dad
• Parental roles and responsibilities on the trail
• Holding hands for 500 miles then letting go…
• Learning to hike all-day
• What it’s like hiking at a child’s pace
• Reasons behind the hike
• The spiritual connection to wild spaces
• Is life balance possible?
• The willingness to easily find excuses not to do something
• Imagining life without the PCT
• Understanding why you hike
• Breakthrough moments on the trail
• Reflecting on relationships with fellow hikers
• The importance of community
• Final thoughts
• https://www.instagram.com/daleywalk

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